Guardian Nigeria
To honour the works of icons in the field of literary arts and raise awareness on the importance of copyright, the National Copyright Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Center for Research, Information Media and Management Development (CRIMMD), recently celebrated the World Book and Copyright Day – a day dedicated to enlightenment on safeguarding intellectual property, and preservation of the reading culture across the globe.
The event celebrated the achievements of accomplished Nigerian writer, and human rights activist, Professor Wole Soyinka, and featured a rendition of some his most famous pieces by students from invited primary and secondary schools including Bisney College, First Zion High School, Light of Little Saints, Christ Dominion Imperial School and Idimu Junior High School.
The Lagos Chairman, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Linda Abdus, stated that it was a special occasion to honour the creativity of Soyinka, adding that there is an urgent need to embrace the literary arts, and educate them on the importance of copyright.
“The law protects individuals who dedicate their intellect to creating special works. We must constantly ensure that such individuals are aware of these rights. This year, the Nigerian Copyright Commission is dedicating the World Book and Copyright Day Celebration to the legend, Professor Wole Soyinka who turns 90 in July. The relevance of his books spans several decades, even unto contemporary times. We are also here to encourage reading among Nigerian students, as it fosters intellectual growth and capacity building,” she said.
The Director General, Center for Research, Information Media and Management (CRIMMD), Dr. Raphael James, believes that the accomplishments of Soyinka in the global literary scene are noteworthy, and it is important to highlight these milestones: “The whole idea is to appreciate Soyinka for his contribution to our nation as well as the continent of Africa. It is not all the time that we get the privilege to celebrate literary icons like Soyinka, and so the World Book & Copyright Day presents the perfect opportunity. Hopefully, we can inspire the next generation of Nigerian playwrights and novelists to follow in his footsteps.”
President of the Lagos Philatelic Society, Bayo Fadairo, stated that Soyinka is a Nigerian icon that several Nigerian students should look to model after.
“What we are celebrating today is dignity in labour. Soyinka should be a source of inspiration for our younger generation; living proof that the success is possible in any field we put our minds to. His works speak for themselves – he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, and has continually shown his love for and dedication to his country.”
